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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Laparoscopic Left Lateral Sectionectomy: Guided by the Ligamentum Teres Hepatis and the Umbilical Fissure Vein
Published on: September 27, 2024
[Lumbar abscess secundary to retained gallstones]
Andrés García Marín1, Jorge Martín Gil, Teresa Sánchez Rodríguez
1Sección de Cirugía de Urgencias, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón de Madrid, España. agmarin80@hotmail.com
Retained gallstones after gallbladder surgery can lead to intra-abdominal abscesses. Surgical drainage and stone removal are recommended over percutaneous methods for effective treatment of these rare posterior abdominal wall abscesses.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Accidental gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy can lead to retained gallstones.
- Retained gallstones are a known cause of late intra-abdominal abscess formation.
Observation:
- A rare case of posterior abdominal wall abscess presenting as the initial manifestation of intra-abdominal abscess due to retained gallstones is reported.
- Diagnosis typically relies on imaging techniques such as abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography scans.
Findings:
- Intra-abdominal abscess is the most frequent complication of lost gallstones.
- Surgical drainage combined with gallstone removal is considered the optimal treatment approach.
- Percutaneous drainage alone demonstrates a high failure rate for these types of abscesses.
Implications:
- This case highlights an uncommon presentation of retained gallstone complications.
- Emphasizes the importance of surgical intervention for definitive treatment of retained gallstone abscesses.
- Contributes to understanding the diverse clinical manifestations of post-cholecystectomy complications.
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